Preparatory work that will allow specialists to restore an historic church spire in St Ives has started, after months of fundraising.
Steeplejack firm Rodell, based in Hertfordshire, has erected ladders that run to the top of the Free Church spire and will ultimately allow conservators to carry out much-needed repairs.
The Free Church is currently raising funds to meet the cost of the project through its Save Our Spire appeal. The appeal was launched in January and cake sales and concerts have been held, helping to raise thousands of pounds.
Members of the Free Church are hoping to raise £55,000 for the essential restorative work, including concrete work and stonework repairs.
The campaign started after a report carried out by specialists identified issues with the spire that needed addressing.
According to the church’s fundraising committee, repairs to the spire, which is more than 150 years old, should be completed by October.
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